VOA慢速英语:Peter Ripken: A Life in Literature

persecuted – v. to treat someone unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs

obsession – n. an activity that someone is very interested in or spends a lot of time doing

bookseller – n. a person or company that sells books

stint – n. a period of time spent doing a certain job or activity

affinity - n. a liking for or an attraction to something

equivalent – adj. having the same value, use, meaning
promote – v. to help something happen, develop or increase

hesitate – v. without delay or doubts

varied – adj. having many forms or types: including many different things

outside of the norm – idiom exp. not normal, not common

nonfiction – n. writing that is about facts or real events

anthologies – n a published collection of writings such as poems or short stories by different authors

brandish fist – exp. Waving the hand with its fingers bent down into the palm in a threatening or excited manner

convey – v. to make something known to someone

notion – n. an idea or opinion